The Custom Experience; Part 1

I have been struggling with finding dresses that fit my body; I have the larger arms an shoulders from working out which makes almost every dress a hassle when it comes to fitting a waist and upper chest! And tack in pockets and coverage from work and length just makes me want to scream!

I thought that Boden was going to be helpful, but I am in between their sizes which means a lot of sewing for me, and sometimes I worry I am not doing a good job.

I turned to a custom designed dress website I had previously used (eShakti) and ordered three dresses to my exact measurements! And I could even get little Kate Middleton sleeves!

This is the first dress; it is not as vibrant in colour as I hoped it would be, but the material is nice and soft. The cotton has a lovely feel to it and I love the back V. Definitely can wear to work!

Dress: eShakti

ETA - I remotely had one of Kate Middleton's dresses (Pic #4) in mind when I saw this fabric, but wasn't sure which dress it was! Now I've found it! She loves her straight dresses, but I like my fit and flares!

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9 years ago

Joy

Veteran

What a wonderful option to have. Local tailors only want to alter and not make dresses...maybe too many bad bridesmaid experiences. Cute dress.

lyn*

(website)

Hahaha, I'd imagine bridesmaids are another kettle of fish!

Joyce B

That's so pretty, Lyn! Can you share the link?

@ JoyceB - if you PM me your email address, I can send you a referral with a gift card of $35 off for you (and $10 for me)

deb

What a great idea. The dress looks good on you and I like the color.

MsLuna

Lyn! Thank you for posting this, fellow frockstar! Funny how we both love dresses but often have fit issues wearing them despite how much we love them! My problem area is ALWAYS the torso length. I often had to take the dress up by at least 2 inches just so the waist falls on my natural waist! Petite sizes work for me but it's so rare to find dresses I like!

As for your dress, wow!!! That's very well fitted! Love the Kate Middleton sleeves! When you ordered the dresses, did you have to enter other measurements aside from what eShakti asks for?

@Katie - You can get custom in two ways; one is like by "standard sizes" or you can enter about 12 different measurements! I didn't have to add anything else, they're pretty detailed!

Mona

The dress looks great on you, lyn. I am happy that you had success with this supplier.

Thanks so much lyn! You seem pretty happy with the dress! Going to read your other thread now

I just need some black suede pumps like Kate has

I think Rockport has some!!!! On their seven to 7 collection! Not sure if they're available this season though!

AHHHH! Maybe next month's budget!

pil

Looking good! How do the shoulders feel?

Faboo! *twirl*

Aida

Looks good! Welcome to my fitting world as an IT The back of this dress is super, I love that style of back.

Thistle

Fabulous! So glad it worked out for you.

Thanks, Lyn, do they have a return policy on custom dresses or are those a final sale?

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Brilliant. And fab dress. xo

@JoyceB - They have returns! I'm not sure what the policy is in the states (if it's free returns or not), but you'll have to do a bit of investigation on that (because I'm a Canadian). I have returned there many times and I have had no problems. I think it's a full cash refund in 30 days, or a 110% refund in store credit!

@Aida - It was a surprise to me because I was being silly and didn't look at the back, so I didn't know what it actually looked like!

@Thistle - I can't wait ... I want to wear it tomorrrrrrow!!!

Gigi

There's nothing like clothes that fit properly! We spend so much time settling that when we finally get something made to order, we are amazed. I can see how excited you are!

I love the back of it also. It's a little va-va-voom but not so much that you can't wear it to work.

Are the other dresses you ordered still to arrive?

@Gigi - I decided not to order the ones from Zara, because it was such a hassle and a risk. I have one plaid dress that is due in a month (it's purple!) and has inset sleeves and is fit and flare from eShakti on the way. I also have two dresses from Dorothy Perkins I am expecting as well (see below).

Other things I am expecting are a few exchanges via People Tree (#3-5); and I got a bunch of coupons for ChicWish, and ordered a skirt (#6). And of course, my Fairlawn (#7) is still in the mail.

Man, that's a lot of shopping!

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Such a nice variety! I can't wait to see you in the first one (the light floral)—that is my favorite.

That *is* a lot of shopping! But I can relate.

Don't worry, Gigi, it's all under control ... *kind of*

Diana

Dress looks great! Thanks for the review. I think I might try ordering a custom fit dress from them too.

Anonymous

That's a perfectly fitting dress, lyn, and so flattering! I didn't realize you could do all that through the mail. what a great option (and now I have to hop over there and check their prices). Thanks for sharing your great success.

Jenny H

Active Member

I've been ordering dresses from eShakti but I have yet to try the custom option so I find your experience very helpful! Both of your dresses are great (I saw your other post too).

jackiec

What a great fitting dress! So fun! I'm not much of a dress wearer but will have to have a look at that site. Cool.

Firecracker (Sharan)

great dress, Lyn! It's wonderful to have a custom fit without having to do the alterations, isn't it?

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